MANKATO, Minn. --- The Minnesota State men's basketball team opens action in the NSIC/Sanford Health Tournament this Wednesday on the road as it takes on the Northern State Wolves. Tip-off is scheduled for 6:00 p.m.

The winner of the game between Minnesota State and Northern State will advance to the second round of the conference tournament where it will take on Upper Iowa this Sunday. Tip-off is scheduled for 11:00 a.m., at the Sanford Pentagon in Sioux Falls, S.D.

Minnesota State History: The 2021-22 season marks the 100th campaign as a varsity sport for Minnesota State men's basketball. The Mavericks are 1,397-932 (.599) in 2,329 games since the program's inception in the 1920-21 season. MSU capped its 33rd and final season as a member of the NCC in 2008 and owned a 283-267 (.515) record in 550 league games played. In the NSIC, MSU owns a 199-93 (.681) record to go with four regular-season championships and two tournament championships.

Against the Wolves: Wednesday's game between Minnesota State and Northern State will be their 31st meeting between them, with MSU leading the all-time series 17-13. The Mavericks won their most recent meeting earlier this season 75-68 at Taylor Center.

Sophomore Quincy Anderson led all scorers with 18 points and eight rebounds, while both sophomore Malik Willingham and freshman Tyrell Stuttley tallied 13 points. Junior Kelby Kramer posted 11 points and seven rebounds also.

Jordan Belka led the Wolves with 15 points and eight rebounds, while Augustin Reede notched 13 points and five rebounds. Cole Bergan tallied 11 points and seven assists also.

Head Coach Matt Margenthaler owns a 10-10 record against Northern State, including a 3-4 record on the road.

Concerning the Mavericks: Minnesota State enters the week the owner of a 16-9 record. This past week, the Mavericks fell to #15 Upper Iowa 68-63 on the road before defeating Winona State 89-85 at home in their regular season finale.

As a team, MSU is averaging 78.2 points and 37.1 rebounds per game while shooting 47.8% from the field. The Mavericks are also shooting 34.5% from three-point range and have passed out 272 assists and blocked 121 shots.

Sophomore Quincy Anderson is leading the Mavericks with 17.7 points and 6.4 rebounds per game this season. Junior Devonte Thedford has tallied 11.0 points per game and is shooting 48.4% from the field. Freshman Brady Williams is averaging 12.6 points a game, while sophomore Malik Willingham has posted 9.9 points per game also.

The Mavericks are led by Matt Margenthaler, who is in his 21st season at Minnesota State. He owns a career record of 436-196 (.689).

Concerning the Wolves: Northern State enters the week the owner of a 19-11 record, including wins in its last four games. Last week, NSU defeated Minot State 84-78 at home and the University of Mary 78-70 on the road.

As a unit, NSU is averaging 75.4 points and 33.9 rebounds per game this season, while shooting 45.0% from the field and 34.1% from three point range. The Wolves have passed out 447 assists and have posted 191 steals.

Sam Masten leads NSU with 15.5 points and 4.1 assists per game this season, while Jordan Belka has tallied 14.6 points and 7.0 rebounds a game. Jackson Moni has posted 14.0 points per game as well.

Northern State is coached by Saul Phillips who is in his third season with the Wolves. He owns a 64-19 record at Northern State and a 279-180 career record.